Norton, County Durham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norton |
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 High Street, Norton |
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 Norton
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| Population | 20,829 |
| OS grid reference | NZ443217 |
| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | STOCKTON-ON-TEES |
| Postcode district | TS20 |
| Dialling code | 01642 |
| Police | Cleveland |
| Fire | Cleveland |
| Ambulance | North East |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Norton, also called Norton-on-Tees, is a market town in County Durham, England. It is part of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees. Important areas within the town include Roseworth and Ragworth. To the east, you'll find Billingham Beck, a small river that flows southeast. The town also includes the areas of Wolviston and Wynyard to the north. In 2011, about 20,829 people lived in Norton.
The town's history goes back a long way, at least to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was once the main part of an old church area that included Stockton. Stockton later became its own separate church area in 1713.
Contents
History of Norton
Ancient Discoveries
In 1982, something amazing happened. Children playing near Mill Lane found human bones. This led to the discovery of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. This cemetery was from a time before Christianity was widespread in England.
In 1984, experts dug up the site. They found 120 burials, mostly bodies, but also three cremations. The graves held personal items like spears, belt buckles, and brooches. These items helped experts figure out that the cemetery was used between AD 540 and 610.
Historic Landmarks
At the south end of High Street, you can see the Victoria Jubilee Memorial Cross. This red stone cross celebrates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It stands where the town's market used to be.
Across the High Street are the Fox almshouses. These special homes were built in 1897. They were funded by a local brewer named John Henry Fox to help people in need.
Norton's Geography
At the north end of Norton, there is a big open space called the village green. It has a duckpond and is surrounded by old Georgian houses and cottages. The very old church of St. Mary the Virgin is on the west side of this green.
Norton's wide High Street is lined with trees. It has many shops, hair salons, and cafes. You can also find a library, a photo studio, and a traditional fish & chips shop. The buildings here are a mix of 18th and 19th-century homes and newer apartments. Away from the town center, there are housing areas like Albany, Glebe, Crooksbarn, and Norton Grange.
St Mary's Church
A Historic Building
St Mary the Virgin is a very old church located on the village green. It is special because it is the only Anglo-Saxon church in northern England that has a cross shape. Its central tower has eight triangle-shaped windows and a top that was added later. Inside, there is a stone statue from the 14th century of a knight wearing chainmail.
Hidden Passages
People say there is a secret escape tunnel under the church floor. It was supposedly used by Saxons and priests when they were in danger. However, it was probably just a drainage pipe. This tunnel is said to go under the church and Norton Green, coming out in the Albany housing area. When the church floor was recently fixed, Saxon remains and old items were found near the tunnel entrance.
Church History and Burials
Before the Reformation, St Mary's was a Catholic church, like all English churches built before that time. Today, Catholic people in Norton go to St Joseph's church on Darlington Lane. This church opened in 1933.
The grave of John Walker, who invented friction matches, is in St Mary's churchyard.
Red House School
Norton is home to Red House School, which is an independent school. It started in 1929. Next to St. Mary's Church is the Red House Nursery & Infant School. This part of the school has modern buildings and classrooms in the old Vicarage. Across the village green is the Red House Preparatory and Main School. The school once thought about moving to Wynyard Park but decided to improve its current location instead.
Sports in Norton
The Norton (Teesside) Sports Complex is on Station Road. It has been there since 1847 and was first home to the Norton Cricket Club. In 1947, the club bought the land to create a great sports complex. Over the years, more land was added.
Today, the complex is still home to Norton Cricket Club, which plays in a top cricket league. It is also where the Billingham Synthonia Football Club plays. Since 2019, it has also been the home of the Norton & Stockton Ancients Football Club again.
Notable Events in Norton
- August 6, 1856: The first bell for Big Ben was made by John Warner and Sons. It was tested at Westminster but cracked. A new bell was later made in London.
- July 14, 1977: Queen Elizabeth II drove through Norton during her Silver Jubilee visit. Many people came out to see her.
- November 11, 2006: Duncan Bannatyne, a famous businessman from the TV show Dragon's Den, got married at St Mary's Church in Norton. Many celebrities attended his wedding.
Image gallery
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The peaceful Village Green.
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The Fox Almshouses, built to help local people.
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The 1897 Jubilee Memorial Cross.
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The Methodist Church in Norton.
Famous People from Norton
- Geoff Deehan – A producer of TV shows and movies.
- Thomas Jefferson Hogg – A lawyer and writer.
- Stevie Lynn – A professional wrestler.
- Christopher Middleton – A famous navigator.
- Gary Pallister – A professional footballer who played for Middlesbrough, Manchester United, and England.
- Franc Roddam – A film director.
- Dean Stobbart – The creator of the YouTube football cartoon channel 442oons.
- Rear-Admiral Polycarpus Taylor – A high-ranking naval officer.
- David Townsend – A Test cricketer.
- Peter Townsend – A cricketer.
- John Walker (1781–1859) – The person who invented the friction match. He is buried at St Mary's Church.
- Macaulay Langstaff – A footballer for Notts County FC and a record goal scorer in the National League (division).
